A MAJOR housebuilding scheme on the edge of a Hampshire city has been refused.

The plans for up to 350 homes built by Linden Homes at Vale Farm off Romsey Road near Winchester were met with objections and concerns by councillors on the planning committee at Winchester City Council.

The scheme includes up to 140 affordable homes, an elderly care village, a mixed use local centre, a commercial centre and improvements to existing bridleways and new cycle links, open spaces, play areas and drainage works.

The original plan which was refused included a roundabout from Romsey Road which raised concerns about pedestrian safety from Hampshire County Council highways department, the amended proposal on the table shows there will be a signalised entrance from the road into the site, which will include a safe crossing route for pedestrians.

Planners say the scheme should be refused as it does not fit into local plan policies.

They say it the proposed housing is not the type which is “acceptable” in the countryside.

Another reason is that the council can show they have an ‘adequate’ supply of housing land, meaning there is no justification for them to release this site for housing.

Among those objecting to the plans officially is the head of landscape who said the development would be “harmful” to the setting of the city and rural character of the area.

The meeting also heard how the development could create traffic problems as it is only served by one access road into the site.

Agent for Lindon Homes Mike Newton spoke of the economic and housing benefits and said it would create 525 construction jobs and is key for the council to provide housing supply, care homes and there will also be a financial contribution for sports facilities in the Winchester area and a buffer zone will help alleviate the visual impact.

Councillor Ian Tait supporting the scheme.

Cllr Tait said:”The scheme itself presented to us other than issues with landscape is a good scheme and Lindon Homes have delivered good schemes across this district before.”

The meeting heard from objector David Barnes who spoke on behalf of Pitt Village Residents Association, he said:”We are threatened by a developer chancing his luck and this really should not be tolerated.”

Vice chairman of Hursley Parish Council Joe Winchester said the scheme would be detrimental to traffic in the area, which is already strained and said the greenfield site should not be released.

Ward councillors Eleanor Bell and Brian Laming also expressed their objections to the plan.

Cllr Bell said the development would be built on a precious rural gap between the village of Pitt and Winchester, and would be unacceptable, she also spoke about traffic problems caused by the development and there are also flooding problems and summed up that the scheme contrary to the Local Plan.

Councillor Eileen Berry was against the plans, she said:”I have never known anything so together objectionably, that gives me heart in that my own feeling is that it is wrong and I do not support it.”

There were 468 objections by residents opposing the plan and 98 letters of support from people who feel that Winchester needs more housing and affordable housing, and praised the facilities with the houses.

Councillors voted seven to one against the plans.